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Camp within the endless red dunes
at the gateway to the Outback
Discover the driest place in Australia amongst
the seemingly endless parallel red sand ridges
of the Simpson Desert. The desert is 500
kilometres across at its longest point and is
home to the Simpson Desert Conservation
Park, Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and
Witjira National Park. Desert flora and fauna
are protected in the desert landscape, which
includes varied dune systems, extensive
salt lakes, spinifex grasslands and acacia
woodlands. You can camp anywhere within
50 metres of public access tracks in the
Simpson Desert.
It is recommended you cross the parks from
west to east to take advantage of the gentler
upsweep of dunes. Travellers should be well-
prepared and avoid attempting to tow trailers.
For visitors' safety, the Simpson Desert
Conservation Park and Regional Reserve are
closed annually from 1 December to 15 March.
A Desert Parks Pass is required to enter the
Simpson Desert.
Witjira National Park is the gateway to the
Simpson Desert and offers an unforgettable
Outback experience rich in Aboriginal and
European culture. It is home to Dalhousie
Springs, part of the largest complex of artesian
springs in Australia. Enjoy a refreshing swim
in thermal pools where the water temperature
is around 37°C and then relax at Witjira's
camping spots. Witjira's traditional owners
and the SA Government co-manage the
park, providing a shared approach to the land
that houses traditional Aboriginal uses with
environmental management, tourism and
recreational activities.
Find a desert oasis and follow in the
footsteps of explorers at Innamincka
Regional Reserve
Get a taste of the Outback at Innamincka
Regional Reserve and discover its connections
to famous explorers, diverse wildlife,
internationally significant wetlands and rich
Aboriginal culture. Cruise along shady creeks
by canoe, explore historic sites or fish and
enjoy the surreal experience of swimming
in waterholes surrounded by vast, red
desert. Within the reserve is the Innamincka
township, once a vital trading post. Must-see
sites include Coongie Lakes, Cullyamurra
Waterhole, the graves of the ill-fated
explorers Burke and Wills; and just across the
Queensland border, the historic Dig Tree site.
Linked to the Cooper Creek system, Coongie
Lakes supports an incredible diversity of
wildlife, including native fish, reptiles and frogs
and is also recognised as a Ramsar Wetland
of International Importance, supporting
many species of birds, of which 24 are rare,
vulnerable or endangered.
Marvel at the salt white expanses of
Lake Eyre National Park
Lake Eyre National Park is Australia's largest
salt lake and from a distance it can look like
you're about to drive into a frosty winterland
because of the thick, white coating of salt
residue around its shores during dry periods.
The salt is left every time the lake retreats
under the ferocious heat of the Australian
Outback. When filled with water, it is a haven
for breeding waterbirds and tiny forms of
aquatic life such as brine and Shield shrimp.
Flood waters from three states fill the lake
but it has only reached capacity four times
in 150 years. To stay a little longer among
its beautiful, contrasting scenery, you can
camp at Halligan Bay. Access to Lake Eyre
National Park is by two tracks across pastoral
properties suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
Please remember that you must bring your
own fuel, water and food.
Passes, permits
and accommodation
Find out how to purchase National
Park passes and permits, including
Deserts Park passes, get the latest
fire and personal safety information
and explore a wide range of
accommodation by logging on to
www.parks.sa.gov.au or by calling
the DENR Information Line on
(08) 8204 1910 or the Desert Parks
Hotline on 1800 816 078.
For National Parks updates,
photographs, videos and other
useful information visit the
Parks SA Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/ParksSA